**Summary:**
On September 8, 2025, the Ministry of Communications issued a clarification addressing media reports alleging that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) rejected a political party's application to send SMS messages to its workers in Maharashtra for a campaign. TRAI categorically denies any involvement in the approval or rejection of individual SMS campaigns. According to the ministry, the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are responsible for approving or rejecting SMS message templates, operating within the framework prescribed under the TCCCPR, 2018. TRAI reiterates that it has no role in the reported instance. The clarification was released by Samrat Allen.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Communications: The Indian government ministry responsible for telecommunications and postal services.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): The regulatory body for the telecommunications sector in India.
Maharashtra: A state in India, where a political party was allegedly denied SMS campaign approval.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs): Companies that provide telecommunication services. They are responsible for approving or rejecting SMS message templates.
TCCCPR, 2018: Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018. The framework under which TSPs operate regarding SMS campaigns.
SMS Campaigns: Short Message Service campaigns, used for communication, in this context by a political party.
Samrat Allen: Name of the person associated with the press release.
Ministry of Communications
Clarification on Media Reports regarding rejection of
SMS Campaigns
Posted On: 08 SEP 2025 2:36PM by PIB Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has noted certain media reports alleging that TRAI has
rejected the application of a political party for sending SMS to its workers in Maharashtra in relation to a
campaign of the party. TRAI categorically denies any role in the acceptance or rejection of such individual
SMS campaigns. The approval or rejection of SMS message templates is carried out by the Telecom Service
Providers (TSPs).
TRAI is not involved in the acceptance or rejection of individual SMS campaigns. These functions are
carried out by TSPs in accordance with the framework prescribed under TCCCPR, 2018.
In view of the above, TRAI reiterates that it has no role in the specific instance reported in the media.
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Samrat / Allen
(Release ID: 2164608)